Tying Your Own Flies for Fly Fishing

[Tami]

Tying Your Own Flies for Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a challenging and engaging way to fish. This article explains the equipment, materials, and process required to get started tying your own flies. Because fly fishing uses artificial flies rather than bait to attract fish, many anglers prefer to tie their own flies rather than use store bought fishing flies.

1. Gather the tools and material you will need. For tools you will need a vise, pliers, scissors, whip finishers and hair stackers. For materials you will need hooks, thread, fly dubbing, hackle and some hair from a deer, elk, calf or moose.
2. Start your thread. This is selecting a hook and wrapping the thread around it.
3. Attach lead eyes to the fly. This is done by wrapping the thread up and over the lead eye three times at the position you want it on the hook.
4. Wrap lead wire forward in the position you want it. When you are finished wrap the thread over it multiple times to secure it in place.
5. Stack the hair that you gathered. Hair stacks should be even and neat.
6. Trim barbs at base of hackle. Attach the hackle to your fly at a downward angle using the thread. This will create the fly's wing.
7. Wrap the hackle and hair around the hook behind the wing. This gives the fly its body and shape.
8. Whip finish your fly. This finishes out the fly and secures the thread near the eye of the hook. This is generally the most difficult part of the whole process.
9. Test your fly! Go to your favorite fishing hole and see if any fish take the bait.

Tips: Patience! Patience! This is not an easy process to perfect. It will take you quite a few tries to create a good fly.
Find a local bait and tackle shop. Many times the owners will have the time and will be willing to help you out.
Careful with the hooks! They are not usually very big, but can still jab your fingers pretty good.